Code of Conduct

In response to creating greater transparency and accountability for Orange County’s taxpayers, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors approved a new code of conduct on July 13, 2009. On November 14, 2011, the Board of Directors approved an amended code of conduct.

The mandatory code of conduct applies to all OCTA employees, board members and all agents of the authority and immediately took effect upon board approval.

OCTA is emphasizing the importance to adhering to the Code of Conduct immediately. The policy stipulates numerous areas of conduct from business conduct, nondiscrimination and workplace harassment to relationships with contractors, use of OCTA assets, gifts, conflicts of interest, whistleblower protection, ethics hotline and other sections.

Especially important is adherence to the section regarding gifts, which prohibits any OCTA employee, board member or agent or their family members from soliciting or accepting gifts from any contractor, subcontractor, bidder or proposer for an OCTA contract that has federal funds.

Equally important in the Code of Conduct is avoiding a conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety in all business practices and interactions. As professionals in public service, we play an immense role as stewards of taxpayer funds.

We must not jeopardize our own professional reputation or OCTA’s positive public standing to deliver on our promise to taxpayers of improving transportation for Orange County.